President Jokowi Aims to Develop Super Premium Labuan Bajo Tourism

President Jokowi chairs a Limited Meeting on the Development of Labuan Bajo Tourist Destination at Plataran Komodo Resort, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Monday (1/20). (Photo by: Public Relations/Anggun)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has planned to make Labuan Bajo as a super premium tourist destination.

“First, on spatial planning, we really want the tourist market segment here to be those whose budget is bigger than most tourists. Therefore, we really need to do integration in terms of hygiene, comfort, and safety for tourists,” President Jokowi said at a Limited Meeting on the Development of Labuan Bajo Tourist Destination at Plataran Komodo Resort, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Monday (1/20).

The President mentioned the need for more star-rated hotels despite a number of existing star-rated hotels in Labuan Bajo.

President Jokowi also spoke of five zones that must be developed, namely Bukit Pramuka, Kampung Air, container port and passenger dock, the marina area, and Kampung Ujung.

These five zones, the President added, will become integrated public places with exquisite landscapes that encourage regional development as well as be the center of activities for people of Labuan Bajo.

“Second, on the infrastructure, I hope that the runway and terminal will be built at the beginning of this year,” the President stated.

President Jokowi expected that the airport will receive bigger traffics since the management has the capability and network to bring tourists to Labuan Bajo.

The President, on the human capital preparedness, mentioned that the locals need to enjoy and be a part of the development. “Therefore, we must immediately improve the skills and competence of the locals, such as skills that are tailored to the needs in tourism industries which we are doing right now,” he said.

On local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the President asked for a creative hub that develops local products in terms of packaging design, pricing, and others. “We hope that woven fabric, coffee, crafts, traditional foods can also flourish. Along with that, local attractions and arts, must be more alive and drive areas of Labuan Bajo. (UN/GUN/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani